I recently ordered this knob from tischer. My car has the shift knob with the aluminum trim that comes standard on the 128i.

I've read in places that all you have to do is firmly pull the old knob out and give the new knob a good whack into place. Some say I have to remove the boot, then remove the knob from the boot. I've also read that I may need a new boot entirely.

Of course, I really would prefer not having to buy another boot. So my question is, with my car, which case is it?.

It is my understanding that only the M-Package shift knob is attached to the boot, all other else is separate.

For my Z, I put the knob in 6th gear, and got on the passenger side. I threw on my helmet (you'll see why) and pulled extremely hard. The knob ended up knocking me in the face, which I am quite thankful I had my helmet on, as weird as it looks.

Boot is separate, if I am right, so all you need to do is throw on the new knob.

Mine was connected to the boot. I undid the boot ring (compressing from the sides) and then straddled the frame tunnel and pulled with all my might. The knob let loose of the shaft and the boot came up with it, along with the trim ring. Had I not removed the trim tring first, I am sure that pulling the knob off would have ended up ripping the boot.

Removing the trim ring from the console 1 minute
Straddling the tunnel, pulling the knob off 1 minute
Removing the old boot and tacking the new knob in place 3 minutes
Redoing it; the knob wasn't facing in the right direction when installed 2 minutes
Reattaching the boot trim ring to the console 1 minute

Total time including screwup 10 minutes or less.

A forum member now has my 'stock' knob...

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My boot was connected to the knob and I have a non m sport 135. Your 128s will be connected too. Unsnap the boot from the center console first then pull the knob off. It will all come off together then there's a little metal retainer ring attaching the boot to the knob. Remove that and the knob will fall off an ur free o reuse the boot. I left mine connected as I bought an alcantera boot to go with my new knob

Stock knob is attached to the boot by a few little pins. Bend them and separate the boot from the knob. I have the ZHP knob on and just pressed it on with the boot just loosely on. The new knob just squeezes the boot between it and the top of the shift lever.